 We recently had two great opportunities to speak about our trails to Carleton University’s very own radio station, CKCU. The first interview being a holistic discussion of our trails with Ken Bouchard, Past President, and Laura Wesley, Communications Director for the non-profit, exhibiting how our paths help create personal experiences with each footstep. The second interview focused on the convergences of paths in a fundraising movie screening event held to support Sentiers Wakefield Trails. In both these discussions we had the pleasure of being interviewed by CKCU’s Susan Johnston whose questions helped us articulate the value of Sentiers Wakefield Trails. For anyone looking to learn more about our trails and to learn about what goes into our trailblazing work, these interviews are an informative and entertaining listen, with excellent music from Wakefield does Wakefield and other Canadian artists following the discussions for you to listen to as well.
 Ken Bouchard (right) accepting plaque during our April 10th annual general meeting. Today we honour a very important member of our trail building community. Ken Bouchard, former President of the Board of Directors for Sentiers Wakefield Trails — a true trail blazer. To honour Ken's legacy in helping Sentiers Wakefield Trails, we presented him with a plaque during our annual general meeting on April 10th, 2025. His work on our trails was instrumental in the history of Sentiers Wakefield Trails, and continues to inspire us to build our trails to new heights. As Ken retires from our board, we would like to extend our largest thanks for his work over the years.
 Thank you to the Wakefield Community, our sponsors, and volunteers for making the movie night fundraiser a success! Special thank you to Diane Woollard & Centre Wakefield La Pêche!
 We are looking for volunteers (newbies welcome!) - for a hands-on learning opportunity about managing water to prevent erosion.
 Bob Gibson (middle), was a long-time friend of Ken Bouchard's (right). Sentiers Wakefield Trails celebrates the life of Bob Gibson, trail blazer and long time volunteer. The
following is a note from Ken Bouchard, Past President and long-time friend of Bob’s.  "Calling all trails enthusiasts to join us for the screening of the film The Way, My Way. The film is described as "a charming and true story about a self-centered Australian man who decides to walk the 800-kilometer [Camino] trail, ultimately finding a transformative experience".
 The students presented their work at the Applied Research Day showcase. You may have noticed the new look and content on our website! This revamp was done in collaboration with students from the Interactive Media Design program at Algonquin College. Through the hard work of the four students — Nathan Templeton (Team Lead), Nhu Ly (Team Second), Jessica Radul, and Olaitan Edun, we updated our website, improving the flow of communication to trail users, local volunteers, funders, and other trail associations. SWT board members, Laura Wesley and Ken Bouchard worked alongside the students, providing photos, feedback, and ensuring the updates captured the spirit of our well-loved community trails. For information about news, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events, follow us on Facebook.
 Choosing electric tools is one way we are doing our part to combat climate change. Last fall we met a goal set 3 years ago - to transition all of our tools from gas to electric powered. We didn’t do it all at once. Over time, as we needed new things, we chose the ones that were electric. Tools needed for building boardwalks, clearing trails or cutting branches or sign posts include skill saws, impact drivers, leaf blowers, chain saws, grinders, and lawn mowers. We are proud to say all of these, save one large chainsaw, are now electric! Another benefit of battery operated tools is that they are portable. Portable tools allow us to do the work in the field rather than needing a workshop. We primarily use the Makita brand as the same batteries serve all of the equipment, which allows us to carry less with us on the trails. This is one way that we are doing our part to lower carbon emissions in our community.  Irene Richardson’s grandkids enjoying the trails at Hendricks Farm behind Fairbairn House. The Fairbairn House Hendrick Trail may officially be just 1.8 km long, with an estimated walking time of 30 minutes, but when you're exploring it with four grandkids, all bets are off. We easily cover at least 4 km, and our adventure stretches well beyond an hour—sometimes two!
 Locals make art for the squirrels and fellow passers-by. My favourite trail is one where I get hot enough to swim afterwards. That said, this is my favourite trail in all seasons. I can choose a different route every time, keeping it new and exciting even though I’ve walked there many, many times.
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